{{translation|'''Ibiki Morino'''|森乃イビキ|Morino Ibiki}} is a [[tokubetsu jōnin]] of [[Konohagakure]] and the commanding officer of the {{translation|[[Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force]]|木ノ葉拷問・尋問部隊|Konoha Gomon/Jinmon Butai}}.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 43, page 5</ref>

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{{translation|'''Ibiki Morino'''|森乃イビキ|Morino Ibiki}} is a [[tokubetsu jōnin]] of [[Konohagakure]] and the commanding officer of the {{translation|[[Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force]]|木ノ葉拷問・尋問部隊|Konoha Gomon/Jinmon Butai}}.<ref>Chapter 43, page 5</ref>

== Background ==

== Background ==

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[[File:Team Hayate vs Team Anko.png|thumb|left|Ibiki and his team clashing with an opposing team.]]

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[[File:Team Anko vs Team Hayate.png|thumb|left|Ibiki and his team clashing with an opposing team.]]

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In his youth during the [[Chūnin Exams]], Ibiki, and his team-mates [[Hayate Gekkō]] and [[Tokara]] confronted [[Anko Mitarashi]] and her team in the [[Forest of Death]] during the second round of the examinations.<ref name="chpt599">''Naruto'' chapter 599, pages 2-4</ref>

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In his youth during the [[Chūnin Exams]], Ibiki, and his team-mates [[Hayate Gekkō]] and [[Tokara]] confronted [[Anko Mitarashi]] and her team in the [[Forest of Death]] during the second round of the examinations.<ref name="chpt599">Chapter 599, pages 2-4</ref>

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[[File:ANBU Ibiki.png|thumb|left|Ibiki at the time he met Kisame, note that he only has one scar on his face.]]

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{{ImgRight|Anbu Ibiki.png|Ibiki at the time he met Kisame.}}

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Several years later, Ibiki led a squad that was trying to retrieve secret codes held by the [[Cypher Division]] of [[Kirigakure]]. One of its members, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]], identified him as Konoha's top [[ANBU]] interrogator. However, before the team could restrain the Kirigakure ninja, Kisame killed them all stating that the mission (protecting information at all costs) called for such extreme actions, visibly disturbing Ibiki.<ref name="kisame">''Naruto'' chapter 507, pages 10-12</ref>

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Several years later, Ibiki led a squad that was trying to retrieve secret codes held by the [[Cypher Division]] of [[Kirigakure]]. One of its members, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]], identified him as Konoha's top [[Anbu]] interrogator. However, before the team could restrain the Kirigakure ninja, Kisame killed them all stating that the mission (protecting information at all costs) called for such extreme actions, visibly disturbing Ibiki.<ref name="kisame">Chapter 507, pages 10-12</ref>

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In the anime, Ibiki was the proctor for the first portion of his brother [[Idate]]'s Chūnin Exams. He failed Idate, feeling that he wasn't fit to be a shinobi. Later, after his brother left the village, Ibiki discovered that Idate was helping his sensei, [[Aoi Rokushō]], steal the [[Sword of the Thunder God]]. Ibiki and two fellow [[ANBU]] members gave chase. However, Aoi quickly brought in [[Amegakure]] allies to capture Ibiki and eliminate the two ANBU members with him. Aoi then tortured Ibiki to read the scroll, in the process accidentally setting the building on fire after Ibiki managed to free both himself and his little brother. However, despite Ibiki's efforts, the flames soon separated the two siblings. Believing his brother to be dead, Ibiki was forced to return to the village alone.<ref name="ep105">''Naruto'' episode 105</ref>

+

In the anime, Ibiki was the proctor for the first portion of his brother [[Idate]]'s Chūnin Exams. He failed Idate, feeling that he wasn't fit to be a shinobi. Later, after his brother left the village, Ibiki discovered that Idate was helping his sensei, [[Aoi Rokushō]], steal the [[Sword of the Thunder God]]. Ibiki and two fellow [[Anbu]] members gave chase. However, Aoi quickly brought in [[Amegakure]] allies to capture Ibiki and eliminate the two Anbu members with him. Aoi then tortured Ibiki to read the scroll, in the process accidentally setting the building on fire after Ibiki managed to free both himself and his little brother. However, despite Ibiki's efforts, the flames soon separated the two siblings. Believing his brother to be dead, Ibiki was forced to return to the village alone.<ref name="ep105">''Naruto'' episode 105</ref>

== Personality ==

== Personality ==

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[[File:Ibiki smiling.png|thumb|Ibiki smiling.]]

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[[File:Ibiki smiling.png|thumb|left|Ibiki smiling.]]

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Ibiki is a very strict person, and has even been described as being a [[Wikipedia:Sadism|sadist]] by [[Kakashi Hatake]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 43, page 4</ref> Compounded with this is his belief that pain is an effective form of communication, which he employed whenever he carries out his duties of torture and interrogation. Nonetheless, he did confess to his subordinates during the [[Invasionof Konoha]] that he was scared of [[Orochimaru]] as a child, noting him to be somewhat "inhuman, but in human form".<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 116, pages 4-5</ref> He was also visibly shocked when Kisame massacred his own comrades to protect information.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 507, page 12</ref> Nevertheless Ibiki has shown a more relaxed side, which shocked Temari during the Chūnin Exams due to the drastic change in personality.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 44, page 3</ref> He also laughed after finding out that he had passed [[Naruto Uzumaki|someone]] who didn't answer a single question in the exam.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 44, page 17</ref>

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Ibiki is a very strict person, and has even been described as being a [[Wikipedia:Sadism|sadist]] by [[Kakashi Hatake]].<ref>Chapter 43, page 4</ref> Compounded with this is his belief that pain is an effective form of communication, which he employed whenever he carries out his duties of torture and interrogation. Nonetheless, he did confess to his subordinates during the [[KonohaCrush]] that he was scared of [[Orochimaru]] as a child, noting him to be somewhat "inhuman, but in human form".<ref>Chapter 116, pages 4-5</ref> He was also visibly shocked when Kisame massacred his own comrades to protect information.<ref>Chapter 507, page 12</ref> Nevertheless Ibiki has shown a more relaxed side, which shocked Temari during the Chūnin Exams due to the drastic change in personality.<ref>Chapter 44, page 3</ref> He also laughed after finding out that he had passed [[Naruto Uzumaki|someone]] who didn't answer a single question in the exam.<ref>Chapter 44, page 17</ref> Despite his harsh interrogation methods, Ibiki is shown to also be quite reasonable. One example was when Karin agreed to forfeit all information regarding Kabuto, Sasuke, and the Akatsuki in exchange if she was fed a fried pork cutlet bowl, which Ibiki agreed to, even though it would take two days for a delivery and did not press the interrogation any further.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 220</ref>

== Appearance ==

== Appearance ==

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[[File:Ibiki's head.jpg|thumb|left|The wounds on Ibiki's head.]]

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[[File:Ibiki's head.png|thumb|right|The wounds on Ibiki's head.]]

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Ibiki has a large, imposing figure, which he complements with a rugged head and face covered with old wounds and scars. Ibiki's head is always covered to conceal a collection of burn marks, punctures from where screws were used, and long slash marks. The scars are indicative of the physical torture he has endured in the past, and illustrates his capacity to endure pain without giving up the desired information to the enemy. As a child it was revealed that he had a short crop of silver hair.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 604, pages 3-4</ref>

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Ibiki has a large, imposing figure, which he complements with a rugged head and face covered with old wounds and scars. Ibiki's head is always covered to conceal a collection of burn marks, punctures from where screws were used, and long slash marks. The scars are indicative of the physical torture he has endured in the past, and illustrates his capacity to endure pain without giving up the desired information to the enemy. As a child it was revealed that he had a short crop of silver hair.<ref>Chapter 604, pages 3-4</ref>

As a [[genin]], Ibiki wore a simple black outfit with chain-mail armour underneath, over which he wore a beige utility [[flak jacket]] of sorts with several pouches strapped to it and calf-length sandals. He wore his forehead protector in the same, bandanna style.<ref name="chpt599"/>

As a [[genin]], Ibiki wore a simple black outfit with chain-mail armour underneath, over which he wore a beige utility [[flak jacket]] of sorts with several pouches strapped to it and calf-length sandals. He wore his forehead protector in the same, bandanna style.<ref name="chpt599"/>

Ibiki is a master of interrogation both physically and psychologically, and plays an important part in the extracting of information, as he interrogates suspects and prisoners of war.<ref name="d3"/> He has the ability to subject people to great suffering without ever using physical torture.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 43, page 6</ref> He has complete knowledge of human psychology; by attacking a person's mind, he can gain control over their spirit.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 43, page 15</ref> His interrogation skills are so reputed that, once he discovered that Ibiki was the one going to interrogate them, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] immediately decided to kill all his comrades of the [[Cypher Division]] to prevent them from revealing any information.<ref name="kisame"/>

+

Ibiki is a master of interrogation both physically and psychologically, and plays an important part in the extracting of information, as he interrogates suspects and prisoners of war.<ref name="d3"/> He has the ability to subject people to great suffering without ever using physical torture.<ref>Chapter 43, page 6</ref> He has complete knowledge of human psychology; by attacking a person's mind, he can gain control over their spirit.<ref>Chapter 43, page 15</ref> His interrogation skills are so reputed that, once he discovered that Ibiki was the one going to interrogate them, [[Kisame Hoshigaki]] immediately decided to kill all his comrades of the [[Cypher Division]] to prevent them from revealing any information.<ref name="kisame"/> He is also a sharp individual, able to easily tell if someone is lying, quickly seeing through Karin's elaborate story. In addition to being a master manipulator, Ibiki also has a strong resolution. In the anime, even after being horribly tortured by [[Aoi Rokushō]], Ibiki never revealed any information to the latter, who years later openly acknowledged Ibiki's fortitude.

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In the anime, during his fight against [[Pain]]'s [[Second Animal Path (character)|Animal Path]], he is shown skilfully using the [[Summoning Technique]], which he uses to summon a variety of torture devices, including an [[Summoning: Iron Maiden|Iron Maiden]] and a [[Summoning: Torture Chamber|Torture Chamber]].<ref name="ship160">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 160</ref> Ironically, these summons are modelled after ''engimono'' statues — lucky charms that are commonly used to bless shrines and businesses with good fortune. Also some of these summoning were a double edge sword, where the summoner will receive the same amount of pain as the opponent.<ref name="ship160"/> He claims this has something to do with becoming equals through pain (ironically being Pain's philosophy).<ref name="ship160"/> He also carries a great deal of hidden weaponry and tools on his person, such as a piece of flint hidden in his molars, which he can use to ignite flammable substances, as well as a small dagger hidden in the heel of his boot.<ref name="ep105"/> He has also shown some skill in taijutsu, capable of tripping and then injuring Aoi Rokushō even though he was still tied to a chair.<ref name="ep105"/>

+

In the anime, during his fight against [[Pain]]'s [[Second Animal Path (character)|Animal Path]], he is shown skilfully using the [[Summoning Technique]], which he uses to summon a variety of torture devices, including an [[Summoning: Iron Maiden|Iron Maiden]] and a [[Summoning: Torture Chamber|Torture Chamber]].<ref name="ship160">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 160</ref> Ironically, these summons are modelled after ''engimono'' statues — lucky charms that are commonly used to bless shrines and businesses with good fortune. Also some of these summoning were a double edge sword, where the summoner will receive the same amount of pain as the opponent.<ref name="ship160"/> He claims this has something to do with becoming equals through pain (ironically being Pain's philosophy).<ref name="ship160"/> He also carries a great deal of hidden weaponry and tools on his person, such as a piece of flint hidden in his molars, which he can use to ignite flammable substances, as well as a small dagger hidden in the heel of his boot.<ref name="ep105"/> He has also shown some skill in taijutsu, capable of tripping and then injuring Aoi Rokushō even though he was battered and still tied to a chair.<ref name="ep105"/>

=== Stats ===

=== Stats ===

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== Part I ==

== Part I ==

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=== Chūnin Exam Arc ===

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=== Chūnin Exams ===

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[[File:Ibiki and invigilators.png|thumb|left|Ibiki and his invigilators arrive.]]

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[[File:Ibiki and invigilators.png|thumb|right|Ibiki and his invigilators arrive.]]

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Ibiki is the first examiner of the [[Chūnin Exams]], testing his students during the written exam with questions too hard for any [[genin]] to answer. Before beginning the Exams, Ibiki gave a warning to [[Team Dosu]] after their attack on [[Kabuto Yakushi]]. During the first part of the exams, Ibiki secretly put two Chūnin into the crowd to answer the questions and to make other genin try to cheat off of their exams. Although the point of the test was to test the participants' information-gathering skills, [[Naruto Uzumaki]] did not realise this. Nevertheless, Naruto was able to pass the exam without answering a single question, a fact Ibiki took great interest in.

+

Ibiki is the first examiner of the [[Chūnin Exams]], testing his students during the written exam with questions too hard for any [[genin]] to answer. Before beginning the Exams, Ibiki gave a warning to [[Team Dosu]] after their attack on [[Kabuto Yakushi]]. During the first part of the exams, Ibiki secretly put two [[chūnin]] into the crowd to answer the questions and to make other genin try to cheat off of their exams. Although the point of the test was to test the participants' information-gathering skills, [[Naruto Uzumaki]] did not realise this, but acted like he did. Nevertheless, Naruto was able to pass the exam without answering a single question, a fact Ibiki took great interest in.

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=== Invasion of Konoha Arc ===

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=== Konoha Crush ===

Ibiki later guarded Konoha's borders during the invasion of the village by [[Sunagakure]] and [[Otogakure]]. He recounted to his colleagues the dark past of [[Orochimaru]], and greeted [[Jiraiya]] when he came to their aid.

Ibiki later guarded Konoha's borders during the invasion of the village by [[Sunagakure]] and [[Otogakure]]. He recounted to his colleagues the dark past of [[Orochimaru]], and greeted [[Jiraiya]] when he came to their aid.

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=== Land of Tea Arc ===

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=== Land of Tea Escort Mission ===

In the anime, Ibiki is one of the ninja sent to the [[Land of Tea]] to pick up an injured [[Sasuke Uchiha]]. While there, he ends up meeting with Idate again for the first time in years. Though he had little interaction with him, he told Idate that he no longer has the eyes of a coward any more.

In the anime, Ibiki is one of the ninja sent to the [[Land of Tea]] to pick up an injured [[Sasuke Uchiha]]. While there, he ends up meeting with Idate again for the first time in years. Though he had little interaction with him, he told Idate that he no longer has the eyes of a coward any more.

== Part II ==

== Part II ==

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=== Twelve GuardiansArc ===

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=== Twelve GuardianNinja ===

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Intheanime,[[Tsunade]] brought in Ibiki to get some answers out of [[Tatsuji]], a shinobi from Amegakure who was meeting with [[Danzō Shimura]], until [[Homura Mitokado]] and [[Koharu Utatane]] arrived revealing that Tatsuji is a double agent for [[Konohagakure]] and [[Amegakure]].

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{{Main|TwelveGuardianNinja(Arc)}}

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In the anime, [[Tsunade]] brought in Ibiki to get some answers out of [[Tatsuji]], a shinobi from [[Amegakure]] who was meeting with [[Danzō Shimura]], until [[Homura Mitokado]] and [[Koharu Utatane]] arrived revealing that Tatsuji is a double agent for Konohagakure and Amegakure.

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=== HidanandKakuzu Arc ===

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=== AkatsukiSuppressionMission ===

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He interrogated [[Zangei|Kakuzu's bounty-hunting]] contact in order to gain information on [[Akatsuki]]. He is later briefly seen attending Asuma's funeral.

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He interrogated [[Zangei|Kakuzu's bounty-hunting]] contact in order to gain information on [[Akatsuki]]. He is later briefly seen attending [[Asuma]]'s funeral.

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=== Invasion of Pain Arc ===

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=== Pain'sAssault ===

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[[File:Torture and Interrogation Unit.png|thumb|Ibiki and his team interrogating Yūdachi.]]

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[[File:Torture and Interrogation Unit.png|thumb|left|Ibiki and his team interrogating Yūdachi.]]

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Though [[Jiraiya]] died in battle against Akatsuki's leader, [[Pain]], one of the clues he managed to send back to Konoha was a prisoner from [[Amegakure]]. When Ibiki's interrogation methods proved ineffective, he called on [[Inoichi Yamanaka]] for assistance.

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Though Jiraiya died in battle against Akatsuki's leader, [[Pain]], one of the clues he managed to send back to Konoha was a prisoner from [[Amegakure]]. When Ibiki's interrogation methods proved ineffective, he called on [[Inoichi Yamanaka]] for assistance.

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During Pain's invasionof Konoha, the [[Second Animal Path (character)|Animal Path]] tracked [[Shizune]] to the Intel Division, where Inoichi was probing the prisoner's mind. There, Ibiki and a team of three ANBU made a stand against Pain in order to give Inoichi, Shizune, and Ino a chance to escape to the Cypher Division and finish their investigation.

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During Pain's assaulton Konoha, the [[Second Animal Path (character)|Animal Path]] tracked [[Shizune]] to the Intel Division, where Inoichi was probing the prisoner's mind. There, Ibiki and a team of three Anbu made a stand against Pain in order to give Inoichi, Shizune, and Ino a chance to escape to the Cypher Division and finish their investigation.

In the anime, the ANBU did battle against Pain's [[Giant Multi-Headed Dog]] while Ibiki restrained the [[Giant Rhino]] with his own [[Summoning: Iron Maiden|Iron Maiden]] summon and captured the Animal Path using his [[Summoning: Torture Chamber]] technique. Ibiki attempted to torture and interrogate the Animal Path, but soon realised that it was unable to feel pain, and seemed to be cold like a corpse. The Animal Path broke free from its bindings, stating that Ibiki "would never understand true pain" before performing a Summoning Technique, placing the summoning seal directly on Ibiki's stomach. Ibiki's Torture Chamber disappeared and he fell to his knees in pain; moments later, Pain's [[Giant Drill-Beaked Bird]] erupted from his back, severely injuring him. [[Katsuyu]] quickly attached herself to him, healing him and saving him. He continues to fight until the Animal Path flees in order to escape the [[Shinra Tensei|village's destruction]].

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In the anime, the Anbu did battle against Pain's [[Giant Multi-Headed Dog]] while Ibiki restrained the [[Giant Rhino]] with his own [[Summoning: Iron Maiden|Iron Maiden]] summon and captured the Animal Path using his [[Summoning: Torture Chamber]] technique. Ibiki attempted to torture and interrogate the Animal Path, but soon realised that it was unable to feel pain, and seemed to be cold like a corpse. The Animal Path broke free from its bindings, stating that Ibiki "would never understand true pain" before performing a Summoning Technique, placing the summoning seal directly on Ibiki's stomach. Ibiki's Torture Chamber disappeared and he fell to his knees in pain; moments later, Pain's [[Giant Drill-Beaked Bird]] erupted from his back, severely injuring him. [[Katsuyu]] quickly attached herself to him, healing him and saving him. He continues to fight until the Animal Path flees in order to escape the [[Shinra Tensei|village's destruction]].

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=== Chikara Arc ===

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=== Power ===

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{{Main|Chikara Arc}}

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{{Main|Power(Arc)}}

In the anime, Ibiki and a group of shinobi were sent to a cemetery outside the village to investigate graves which have been defiled.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 290</ref>

In the anime, Ibiki and a group of shinobi were sent to a cemetery outside the village to investigate graves which have been defiled.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 290</ref>

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=== ConfiningtheJinchūrikiArc ===

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=== FourthShinobiWorldWar: Countdown ===

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[[File:Ibiki interrogation.png|thumb|Ibiki and his team interrogate Karin.]]

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[[File:Ibiki interrogation.png|thumb|left|Ibiki and his team interrogate Karin.]]

When [[Karin]] was taken by [[Kakashi Hatake]] to the village, Ibiki and his colleagues interrogate her about everything she knew about [[Sasuke Uchiha]] and [[Kabuto Yakushi]]. He maintained a straight face and stern personality when Karin was sobbing while telling her story, and was seemingly unperturbed when she demanded food before she would talk further. While his other two colleagues started to make an attempt to fulfil Karin's request, Ibiki remained stone-faced and told Karin to drop the act and start talking.

When [[Karin]] was taken by [[Kakashi Hatake]] to the village, Ibiki and his colleagues interrogate her about everything she knew about [[Sasuke Uchiha]] and [[Kabuto Yakushi]]. He maintained a straight face and stern personality when Karin was sobbing while telling her story, and was seemingly unperturbed when she demanded food before she would talk further. While his other two colleagues started to make an attempt to fulfil Karin's request, Ibiki remained stone-faced and told Karin to drop the act and start talking.

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{{-L}}

== Trivia ==

== Trivia ==

* "Morino Ibiki" literally means "a snore in the forest", which clearly refers to his resemblance to a big bear.

* "Morino Ibiki" literally means "a snore in the forest", which clearly refers to his resemblance to a big bear.

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* Ibiki interrogating Zangei was shown as only an [[omake]] in the anime.

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* Ibiki interrogating [[Zangei]] was shown as only an [[omake]] in the anime.

* According to the databook(s):

* According to the databook(s):

** His favourite food is sautéed [[Wikipedia:Enokitake|enokitake]] or any dish with meat while his least favourite is [[Wikipedia:Maize|maize]].

** His favourite food is sautéed [[Wikipedia:Enokitake|enokitake]] or any dish with meat while his least favourite is [[Wikipedia:Maize|maize]].

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== Quotes ==

== Quotes ==

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* (To the [[Chūnin Exams]] candidates) "''Because… in times, information is more important than life… and on missions and on the battlefield, people risk their lives to get their hands on it.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 44, page 6</ref>

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* (To the [[Chūnin Exams]] candidates) "''Because… in times, information is more important than life… and on missions and on the battlefield, people risk their lives to get their hands on it.''"<ref>Chapter 44, page 6</ref>

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* (To the exam candidates) "''Important information in your hands… can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and the village.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 44, page 7</ref>

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* (To the exam candidates) "''Important information in your hands… can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and the village.''"<ref>Chapter 44, page 7</ref>

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* (To the exam candidates) "''The ability to be courageous and survive any hardship… These are the abilities needed to become a chūnin captain. Those who can't put their destinies on the line… who cling to the uncertain future of "there's always next year"… and walk away from their chance… those pieces of trash who can only make such cowardly choices do not deserve to become chūnin!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 44, page 11</ref>

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* (To the exam candidates) "''The ability to be courageous and survive any hardship… These are the abilities needed to become a chūnin captain. Those who can't put their destinies on the line… who cling to the uncertain future of "there's always next year"… and walk away from their chance… those pieces of trash who can only make such cowardly choices do not deserve to become chūnin!''"<ref>Chapter 44, page 11</ref>

Several years later, Ibiki led a squad that was trying to retrieve secret codes held by the Cypher Division of Kirigakure. One of its members, Kisame Hoshigaki, identified him as Konoha's top Anbu interrogator. However, before the team could restrain the Kirigakure ninja, Kisame killed them all stating that the mission (protecting information at all costs) called for such extreme actions, visibly disturbing Ibiki.[6]

In the anime, Ibiki was the proctor for the first portion of his brother Idate's Chūnin Exams. He failed Idate, feeling that he wasn't fit to be a shinobi. Later, after his brother left the village, Ibiki discovered that Idate was helping his sensei, Aoi Rokushō, steal the Sword of the Thunder God. Ibiki and two fellow Anbu members gave chase. However, Aoi quickly brought in Amegakure allies to capture Ibiki and eliminate the two Anbu members with him. Aoi then tortured Ibiki to read the scroll, in the process accidentally setting the building on fire after Ibiki managed to free both himself and his little brother. However, despite Ibiki's efforts, the flames soon separated the two siblings. Believing his brother to be dead, Ibiki was forced to return to the village alone.[7]

Ibiki is a very strict person, and has even been described as being a sadist by Kakashi Hatake.[8] Compounded with this is his belief that pain is an effective form of communication, which he employed whenever he carries out his duties of torture and interrogation. Nonetheless, he did confess to his subordinates during the Konoha Crush that he was scared of Orochimaru as a child, noting him to be somewhat "inhuman, but in human form".[9] He was also visibly shocked when Kisame massacred his own comrades to protect information.[10] Nevertheless Ibiki has shown a more relaxed side, which shocked Temari during the Chūnin Exams due to the drastic change in personality.[11] He also laughed after finding out that he had passed someone who didn't answer a single question in the exam.[12] Despite his harsh interrogation methods, Ibiki is shown to also be quite reasonable. One example was when Karin agreed to forfeit all information regarding Kabuto, Sasuke, and the Akatsuki in exchange if she was fed a fried pork cutlet bowl, which Ibiki agreed to, even though it would take two days for a delivery and did not press the interrogation any further.[13]

Ibiki has a large, imposing figure, which he complements with a rugged head and face covered with old wounds and scars. Ibiki's head is always covered to conceal a collection of burn marks, punctures from where screws were used, and long slash marks. The scars are indicative of the physical torture he has endured in the past, and illustrates his capacity to endure pain without giving up the desired information to the enemy. As a child it was revealed that he had a short crop of silver hair.[14]

As a genin, Ibiki wore a simple black outfit with chain-mail armour underneath, over which he wore a beige utility flak jacket of sorts with several pouches strapped to it and calf-length sandals. He wore his forehead protector in the same, bandanna style.[5]

Ibiki is a master of interrogation both physically and psychologically, and plays an important part in the extracting of information, as he interrogates suspects and prisoners of war.[2] He has the ability to subject people to great suffering without ever using physical torture.[15] He has complete knowledge of human psychology; by attacking a person's mind, he can gain control over their spirit.[16] His interrogation skills are so reputed that, once he discovered that Ibiki was the one going to interrogate them, Kisame Hoshigaki immediately decided to kill all his comrades of the Cypher Division to prevent them from revealing any information.[6] He is also a sharp individual, able to easily tell if someone is lying, quickly seeing through Karin's elaborate story. In addition to being a master manipulator, Ibiki also has a strong resolution. In the anime, even after being horribly tortured by Aoi Rokushō, Ibiki never revealed any information to the latter, who years later openly acknowledged Ibiki's fortitude.

In the anime, during his fight against Pain's Animal Path, he is shown skilfully using the Summoning Technique, which he uses to summon a variety of torture devices, including an Iron Maiden and a Torture Chamber.[17] Ironically, these summons are modelled after engimono statues — lucky charms that are commonly used to bless shrines and businesses with good fortune. Also some of these summoning were a double edge sword, where the summoner will receive the same amount of pain as the opponent.[17] He claims this has something to do with becoming equals through pain (ironically being Pain's philosophy).[17] He also carries a great deal of hidden weaponry and tools on his person, such as a piece of flint hidden in his molars, which he can use to ignite flammable substances, as well as a small dagger hidden in the heel of his boot.[7] He has also shown some skill in taijutsu, capable of tripping and then injuring Aoi Rokushō even though he was battered and still tied to a chair.[7]

Ibiki is the first examiner of the Chūnin Exams, testing his students during the written exam with questions too hard for any genin to answer. Before beginning the Exams, Ibiki gave a warning to Team Dosu after their attack on Kabuto Yakushi. During the first part of the exams, Ibiki secretly put two chūnin into the crowd to answer the questions and to make other genin try to cheat off of their exams. Although the point of the test was to test the participants' information-gathering skills, Naruto Uzumaki did not realise this, but acted like he did. Nevertheless, Naruto was able to pass the exam without answering a single question, a fact Ibiki took great interest in.

Ibiki later guarded Konoha's borders during the invasion of the village by Sunagakure and Otogakure. He recounted to his colleagues the dark past of Orochimaru, and greeted Jiraiya when he came to their aid.

In the anime, Ibiki is one of the ninja sent to the Land of Tea to pick up an injured Sasuke Uchiha. While there, he ends up meeting with Idate again for the first time in years. Though he had little interaction with him, he told Idate that he no longer has the eyes of a coward any more.

Though Jiraiya died in battle against Akatsuki's leader, Pain, one of the clues he managed to send back to Konoha was a prisoner from Amegakure. When Ibiki's interrogation methods proved ineffective, he called on Inoichi Yamanaka for assistance.

During Pain's assault on Konoha, the Animal Path tracked Shizune to the Intel Division, where Inoichi was probing the prisoner's mind. There, Ibiki and a team of three Anbu made a stand against Pain in order to give Inoichi, Shizune, and Ino a chance to escape to the Cypher Division and finish their investigation.

Ibiki tries to interrogate the Animal Path.

In the anime, the Anbu did battle against Pain's Giant Multi-Headed Dog while Ibiki restrained the Giant Rhino with his own Iron Maiden summon and captured the Animal Path using his Summoning: Torture Chamber technique. Ibiki attempted to torture and interrogate the Animal Path, but soon realised that it was unable to feel pain, and seemed to be cold like a corpse. The Animal Path broke free from its bindings, stating that Ibiki "would never understand true pain" before performing a Summoning Technique, placing the summoning seal directly on Ibiki's stomach. Ibiki's Torture Chamber disappeared and he fell to his knees in pain; moments later, Pain's Giant Drill-Beaked Bird erupted from his back, severely injuring him. Katsuyu quickly attached herself to him, healing him and saving him. He continues to fight until the Animal Path flees in order to escape the village's destruction.

When Karin was taken by Kakashi Hatake to the village, Ibiki and his colleagues interrogate her about everything she knew about Sasuke Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi. He maintained a straight face and stern personality when Karin was sobbing while telling her story, and was seemingly unperturbed when she demanded food before she would talk further. While his other two colleagues started to make an attempt to fulfil Karin's request, Ibiki remained stone-faced and told Karin to drop the act and start talking.

(To the Chūnin Exams candidates) "Because… in times, information is more important than life… and on missions and on the battlefield, people risk their lives to get their hands on it."[19]

(To the exam candidates) "Important information in your hands… can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and the village."[20]

(To the exam candidates) "The ability to be courageous and survive any hardship… These are the abilities needed to become a chūnin captain. Those who can't put their destinies on the line… who cling to the uncertain future of "there's always next year"… and walk away from their chance… those pieces of trash who can only make such cowardly choices do not deserve to become chūnin!"[21]